Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500M Acoustic Guitar
This acoustic features a solid mahogany body with a spruce top. The rosewood fingerboard and mahogany neck allow for smooth playing.
Overall User Ratings (based on 4 ratings)
Submitted February 18, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com
"Amazing sound at an equally amazing price"
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This definitely is the best value out there if you're looking for a solid wood acoustic. Keep in mind the differences between the different models though: The AJ is a jumbo, the DR is a dreadnaught, and the EF is for fingerpicking. There are also rosewood and mahogany versions of each model and if you don't know the difference between the two I highly suggest playing both to see which you prefer. However, don't expect someone to tell you which is better. It really is all about personal preference and while some people will say "rosewood sounds X" your ears can be completely different to theirs.
Protip: This guitar doesn't come with a case. However, if you're like me and keep it at home but want a way to keep it safe from dings/dust just use the Epiphone box it comes in. It actually isn't that bad of a "case" despite the fact it's cardboard. (It's still pretty sturdy considering)
Sound
I'm amazed by how well it sounds. For the price this guitar simply can't be beat. I previously owned a Washburn D10S which is a solid top and lamented sides and this guitar simply blows it away. It has a very warm and full sound. The lows have just enough bass to them, the mids sound heavenly, and the highs sound almost bell like. I would definitely compare it to the sound of a Martin. It may not be as good as a nice solid wood Martin but it's also a fraction of what it'd cost.
Features
Solid wood at this price point... wow.
Ease of Use
Very well setup (see below)
Quality
Apparently Epiphone sets it up in China and then once it arrives in the USA it's setup yet again to make sure everything is good to go. The action on mine was absolutely perfect for my taste. Very low with no buzz.
Value
Good luck finding a solid wood guitar at this price point. The Guild GAD-25 is it's best competitor but I preferred the the sound of the DR500M. The Guild includes a hard case though but it's also a little more expensive so technically you're paying for the case. I really wish the DR500M came with one but I guess that would also increase the cost too.
Manufacturer Support
I wish you could rate this as "Don't know" because I have no idea. Never used it.
The Wow Factor
Honestly, a lot of people say this isn't the most attractive guitar around. While there definitely are more attractive guitars out there I like the laid back retro look of it.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Classic rock, classical, flamenco, blues, etc
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Submitted January 1, 2008 by a customer from rochester.rr.com
"EPIPHONE WHO KNEW!!!"
I do not think that I will be replacing this one anytime soon Unless something tragic happens. If I do have to replace it, it will be with the same thing!
Sound
I have played both the rosewood and mahagony versions of this guitar , and found if you play rythm and strum chords the mahagonhy version is better. Amazing sound for a guitar of this price range, nothing in this price range sounds better !!
Features
A very plain guitar, but if you are playing music do you really need a fancy one, you are playing it for the sound not the looks of it!!
Ease of Use
Almost plays itself!
Quality
A prefectly made product! It is just as nice if not better the $1000-2000 priced Martins and Taylors. SHOULD COME WITH A CASE THOUGH!
Value
This guitar is comparable to guitars worth much, much more!!
Manufacturer Support
I would only rate it this because I have not had to use it yet.
The Wow Factor
From the minute I strummed it I had to have it.. Was looking for a much higher priced guitar, but when I played this one I thought to myself why pay more when the sound and look I was looking for was right here!
Musical Background:
hobbyist for 3 years
Musical Style:
rock , bluegrass
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Submitted December 18, 2007
Epiphone DR500M Guitar Customer Review
Overall, its a great deal, and a very good quality finish and it sounds good.
Sound
The sound quality is amazing compared to my other acoustic.
Features
The only feature I wish it had is, if it were electric-acoustic.
Ease of Use
The strings are close the the fretboard so it is easier to play the higher notes
Quality
The finish is very smooth and it smells good.
Value
It is a little expensive, but worth it.
Manufacturer Support
I havent used it yet.
The Wow Factor
I would buy it all over again
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